Gov’t forces neutralize notorious Daulah Islamiyah sub-leader in Marawi City

PAGADIAN CITY (April 12, 2021) - A notorious sub-leader of the IS-linked Daulah Islamiyah group was killed during a law enforcement operation in Barangay Guimba, Marawi City in the wee hours of April 12, 2021.

According to Lt. Gen. Corlero Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, combined elements of the 103rd Infantry Brigade and Lanao PNP acted on information provided by the residents of Guimba regarding the presence of the notorious DI sub-leader Usop Nasif, a.k.a. Abu Asraf in their locality.

Operating troops proceeded to the location of Nasif’s hideout and while they were approaching, the target and his followers opened fire thereby resulting in a firefight.

Nasif incurred fatal wounds during the 30-minute firefight. He was immediately rushed to Amai Pakpak Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

The encounter also resulted in the wounding of seven PNP personnel and one soldier. Their identities are withheld pending notification to their next of kin.

“Based on the report from the ground, the wife of Nasif, identified as Almaira Panduma, was also wounded during the clash and was also brought to Amai Pakpak Medical Center for medical treatment,” said Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, Commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade.

According to Brig. Gen. Cuerpo II, the neutralized local terrorist was the primary suspect in the killing of three Army personnel namely Corporal Albert Saura, Corporal Bryan Binayug, and Private 1st Class Albert Soriano at the boundary of Poona Piagapo and Pantao Ragat, Lanao del Norte on January 14, 2021. He was also implicated in the killing of civilians who failed to give in to their extortion demands.

"The hideout was pointed out by Guimba residents fearing that he will put to danger their lives and properties,” Brig. Gen. Cuerpo II added.

Joint Task Force ZamPeLan Commander Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio commended the operating troops for the successful neutralization of the terrorist sub-leader.

"We vow to remain relentless against the terrorist groups to sustain the peace and progress that we have attained in our area of responsibility," said Maj. Gen. Ponio.

"We also urge the public to continue to cooperate and report any threat in their locality for us to effectively perform our mandate," Maj. Gen. Ponio added.

Troops are in pursuit of the fleeing 10 cohorts of Nasif.

“With the neutralization of Nasif, we are hopeful that his followers will be convinced to lay down their arms and end their armed struggle,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. (By JONG CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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